When the Dallas Mavericks traded away three-fifths of their starting lineup with 32 games to play, they were effectively issuing a number of public proclamations. The most notable of these, perhaps, was that the organization felt the development of Dennis Smith Jr. was too far behind Luka Doncic to be waited on. The corollary to that sentiment was that Luka was ready to win very soon, expediting the need for a player with the credentials of Kristaps Porzingis, injury concerns and all. Dallas was telling the basketball world this: “We think we can be a dangerous playoff team as soon as next season.” The final declaration, though, pertained to this season. The Mavericks nuked any measure of competitive cohesion they had, with predictable results.

In 14 games since the trade, Dallas is 4-10 with the worst net rating in the entire NBA. From a macro view, this is neither a surprise nor a disappointment. Tim Cato summed this up perfectly yesterday: